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Letter from Anne |
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Dear Parents,
This has been a full week at AIS, with spirit days, the Varsity Volleyball team winning the Independent School State Championship and three wonderful guest speakers. Each week you hear from me, but this week, I want you to hear your own daughters’ voices as they reflect on each of the speakers who visited.
Monday brought Allen Kazarwa, 20, and Noella Abijuru, 26, from the Akilah Institute for Women in Rwanda. Thanks to the Pew family, who have developed a close connection to the school and its founder, Elizabeth Dearborn Davis. Alexandra Pew ’13 shares that “every time I get to meet students from Akilah, I am inspired by their stories and their goals in life, for themselves and their country. I spent two days with Noella and Allen. It is so nice that we can meet and find an instant bond to become lasting friends. I was thrilled they could come to Agnes Irwin this year so they could further expand their message and inspire our school community. I hope that, in the future, our schools can be more involved with each other so that all of the students can become more globally aware.”
On Tuesday, we heard Rebecca Walker, activist, feminist, author and daughter of Alice Walker. Christina Wusinich ’12 was fortunate to have a chance to speak with Ms. Walker personally: “Ms. Walker is a remarkable woman, and I was inspired by her assembly in which, among other topics, she discussed bravery in leadership. To be a good leader, one needs to be brave in thought. So, to truly bring change when it is needed, a leader needs to constantly question tradition and the ways things are conventionally done. It can be difficult to speak out with a new and different opinion, and it can be even harder to look into oneself and question one's own ideas and opinions. In our Student Government meeting, she challenged us to think more deeply about the things we accept without thought at our own school. I think we have become better leaders thanks to her influence. It's very easy to fall into closed-mindedness, and Ms. Walker reminded us that it is our responsibility as leaders to keep open minds and question even our own views to make sure we are truly looking out for every student.”
Finally, the Upper School Veterans’ Day Assembly welcomed Debbi Coren. She presented framed flags from her husband, Chief Warrant Officer Derek Coren, who believes the Agnes Irwin community reflects the same values he has experienced in his military service. Mary Beth Smith reflected: "The Veterans’ Day Assembly was inspiring and truly demonstrated that ‘freedom is not free.’ We owe our gratitude to those serving in the armed forces who risk their lives for our country so that we may preserve our freedom."
Such a rich, rewarding, globally significant week for all in our Upper School community! I hope you enjoy , and remember to join us for the Upper School musical this week. The 1980’s cult classic “Xanadu” is once again “Alive” in this award-winning musical spoof that took Broadway by storm in 2008. Hear the afore mentioned songs plus many other ELO disco classics including “Evil Woman,” “Don’t Walk Away” and “Have You Never Been Mellow” as the cast of this AIS Repertory Company production takes a gentle poke - well maybe not so gentle poke – at this Olivia Newton John flop.
Enjoy the weekend!
- Anne |
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Coming Up at AIS... |
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Tues. 11/1 Can Drive begins (ends 11/18)
Tues. 11/15 Challenge Success Survey presentation, 7-9 p.m., MS/US Assembly Rm
NO US HOMEWORK
Thurs. 11/17 to Sun. 11/19 US Musical
Mon. 11/21 Junior Parent College Night, 7:30-9 p.m., West-Wike Theatre
Wed. 11/23-25 NO CLASSES – Thanksgiving
Tues. 11/29 US & MS Visitors Day
Wed. 11/30 Fall Sports Recognition Event & Awards, 6:30-8 p.m., West-Wike Theatre
NO US HOMEWORK
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Please click on the events to view all committee meeting dates & information:
Welcome Wellness – Thurs. 11/17 at Aronimink Golf Club; RSVP Deadline Extended to 11/14 Winterfest – Sat. 3/10/12; Next Committee Mtg: 11/14, 8-10 a.m., MS/US Meeting Rm. |
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AIS/EA/Haverford Dance |
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As part of AIS/EA/Haverford Weekend, the Upper School students will host a three-school dance and donate cans of food to the Philadelphia Food Bank. This year, the Can Dance will be held Sat. 11/12 at The Haverford School from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dress is semi-formal for girls. Admission costs $10 or 10 cans. |
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The Middle and Upper School Special Visitors’ Day will be held on Tues. 11/29. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends are invited to attend classes with the girls and experience what AIS life is like! Upper School guests are welcome to join us for the morning Assembly and to attend classes until 12:35 p.m. More information coming next week! Once again, the SOS Board is participating in MANNA’s annual fundraising event, Pie in the Sky. The money raised goes directly towards the mission of MANNA – providing nourishing meals, along with counsel and hope, to people at acute nutritional risk from life-threatening illnesses. To order your pie, simply click here and place your order. But hurry, the deadline for all orders is Fri. 11/18. Pies can be picked up from AIS on Tues. 11/22. If you go directly to the MANNA website, then you can search for AIS under “T” for The Agnes Irwin School.
Middle School English teacher Kathy Stevenson’s latest published essay is on WHYY’s Newswork's website. Her short story "The Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand" was awarded "Best Prose" in the fall issue of The Boston Literary Gazette. Please visit the AIS Parents page to stay updated with all current information. |
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Emilie Melvin ’12 and Jasmine Richardson ’13 were keynote speakers at the Annual Hall of Fame Breakfast for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania on Thurs. 11/10. This "Take the Lead" event recognizes outstanding women role models for their courage, confidence and character. One of this year’s recipients is Lynn Yeakel, a member of the CAG Advisory Board! |
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